Nutraceuticals: A Review

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2018 Mar;8(1):5-16. doi: 10.1007/s13555-018-0221-x. Epub 2018 Feb 6.

Abstract

Skin aging is continuously influenced by various internal and external factors such as the biologic progression of cells, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, tobacco, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances that lead to the degradation of skin cells. Through the degradation of skin cells, free radicals and inflammation weaken repair mechanisms and result in collagen and elastic fiber breakdown. The appearance of aging skin is highlighted by skin roughness, wrinkling, pigmentation change, telangiectasias, loss of elasticity, and decreased firmness, all of which are accelerated by these internal and external factors. Throughout the years, nutraceuticals have been studied to delay and fight against these internal and external factors, many of which are found in foods and byproducts consumed naturally. The aim of this review is to aid dermatologists in understanding the mechanism of action of popular nutraceuticals and their possible efficacy in antiaging and skin health.

Keywords: Fatty acids; Lutein; Lycopene; Minerals; Nutraceuticals; Polyphenols; Vitamin C; Vitamin E; Zeaxanthin; β-Carotene.

Publication types

  • Review